Conversion & Calling, Student Workbook, SW01

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C O N V E R S I O N A N D C A L L I N G

* How precisely does the Word of God transform the attitude and actions of the person who believes? Is it necessary for us to know exactly how this process works in the heart? Why or why not? * Why does it appear sometime as if the Word of God has no effect whatsoever in the life and attitude of people, even believers, at times? What is the problem if the Word is being taught and yet nothing seems to happen in anyone’s life as a result? * Should we expect some kind of change or reaction to occur every time we deliver God’s Word to others, whether those who hear that Word are believers or not? Explain your answer. As a Bible Study group at church studied the Gospel of Luke together, a fierce discussion arose among the members on the nature of repentance. Some began to argue that since we are saved by grace through faith alone, it is wrong to say that repentance is somehow separate from faith. They argued that whenever someone turns and trusts in Jesus, repentance is present in that trust. Others said that repentance was a separate action that came before faith. Others became more and more confused as the time went on, not really understanding the question, or even the importance of the argument. If you were assigned to help them understand the issues here, what would you teach them and what precisely would you do? God appears to be working tremendously through the new youth minister who has come to your church. More and more kids are coming to the ministry events, and many of the young people are making confessions of faith at the various worship concerts and evangelistic meetings hosted by the church. As the numbers have swelled, some have begun to wonder if many of the kids are there for other purposes than the Lord. Many of the kids continue to dress the same, many continue to smoke, and even cuss, while others appear to have changed entirely. How would you address the issues of change and conversion with the youth minister, if he/she asked you what you thought about what was going on? Is Repentance to be Understood as a “Work”? No Sign, No Salvation

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